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About to start its 100th year, The Ontario Club is one of Canada's premier private
clubs. Located at 1 King Street West in the
heart of Toronto's financial district, The Ontario Club remains
an essential venue and resource for anyone wishing to enhance their
professional and personal lives.
After
more than 35 years at its previous location, The Ontario Club moved
in March 2007, and is now in operation at its new location at 1
King Street West. It occupies part of the 12th and 13th floors of
the historic Dominion Bank of Canada building, designed by architects
Darling & Pearson, who also designed such Toronto landmarks
as the Royal Ontario Museum. Constructed in 1914 as the head office
of The Dominion Bank of Canada, the building was at one time one
of the tallest in Toronto.
The
space the Club occupies on the 12th and 13th floors was originally
the executive offices of the Dominion Bank, and has been lovingly
preserved and restored with a historic designation. It includes
meeting rooms and a soaring gallery where the bank's secretaries
and junior executives once toiled under the watchful eye of the
bank chairman. Today it is perfectly suited to the needs of a private
club.
The
Ontario Club was founded in 1909, and in 1913 the first permanent
club house was opened at 16 Wellington Street in Toronto. The ribbon
was cut by Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's 6th Prime Minister. Until
World War II, The Ontario Club was home to many Liberal politicians,
including many Senators and Cabinet Ministers. Following the War,
the Ontario Club ceased to have any official political affiliation,
and became the Club of choice for many of Toronto's professionals
and business leaders. In
1968 The Ontario Club sold its original premises to the Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce so the landmark Commerce Court could be
built on its site.
While
maintaining a traditional Club atmosphere, the Ontario Club was
one of the first to break many antiquated Club barriers. For
decades
The Ontario Club has encouraged young men and women to
join and use the Club as a worthwhile addition to their social
and professional lives. Even though The Ontario Club is home to
some of Canada's most prominent business leaders, there is an openness
and collegiality among our members that is unique among private
clubs.
The
Ontario Club is also home to Toronto's diplomatic community. The
Toronto Consular Corps and international trade representatives meet
regularly and host many official cultural and diplomatic functions
at the Club. We are very much enriched by their presence. In addition,
Club Las Americas was
started in 2003 by The Ontario Club to provide Toronto's Central
and South American business and cultural community with a home and
focus for their many activities.
In
1992 the Engineers'
Club joined the Ontario Club, and brought with it many prominent
members of Canada's mining and financing community. The main atrium
of the Club is decorated with their art collection in honour of
their contribution to the life of the Ontario Club.
As
one of Canada's finest clubs, our attention to detail and commitment
to service are legendary. The Ontario Club's excellent cuisine
and hospitality is second to none. Whether you are a young professional
building your career or a senior executive enjoying your
success, membership in The Ontario Club offers a host of services and
opportunities to benefit both your professional and personal
life.
The
Ontario Club currently has over 1,200 members ranging in age from
20 to 90, and is affiliated with over
600 prestigious private clubs worldwide.
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